Photoinduced Solubilization and Photocatalytic Properties of Poly(3-alkylthiophene) under Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere

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Abstract
Effects of light irradiation on poly(3-alkylthiophene) immersed in organic solvents have been studied under CO2 atmosphere. The insoluble part of poly(3-alkylthiophene) is solubilized in organic solvents by photoirradiation under CO2 atmosphere. Formation of carbonyl group in the solubilized poly(3-alkylthiophene) has been confirmed. The quenching effect of CO2 observed in the photoluminescence experiment of the poly(3-alkylthiophene) suggests electron injection from photoexcited poly(3-alkylthiophene) to CO2 molecules. Photocatalytic fixation of CO2 molecules resulting in formation of salicylic acid has also been achieved by a novel photocatalytic reaction using poly(3-alkylthiophene) as a photocatalyst under the existence of a substance such as phenol which reacts with CO2 \dot-.